MSN Program Mission

Philosophy

The philosophy of the Master of Science in Nursing program of the Division of Nursing which builds on the AACN Baccalaureate Essentials is reflective of the values and beliefs from which the NMC mission and core values were formulated.

Nursing integrates empirical, personal, aesthetic, ethical and emancipatory ways of knowing to care for clients (Chinn and Kramer, 2011). Nursing is concerned with promoting health, preventing illness, restoring health, and caring for the sick and dying.

Learning is a lifelong, continuous process through which humans acquire knowledge that results in changes of behavior, attitudes, and/or ways of thinking. The nursing faculty believe that nursing education is built on the application and synthesis of the biophysical sciences, psychosocial sciences, the humanities, and nursing science. Teaching is an interactive process that uses a system of actions to promote acquisition, application, integration, and synthesis of knowledge. The graduate faculty serve as teachers, facilitators, resource persons, evaluators, mentors, and professional role models. Graduate education plays a strategic role in the ongoing development of the skilled professional who will contribute to the health, business, political, and social structures of the global community.

Completion of the Master of Science Nursing Program provides the graduate with a strong theoretical and practical base congruent with the MSN Essentialsto improve healthcare through a culture of evidence-based practice. This education will prepare the graduate with a firm background in critical thinking and decision-making skills. The master's prepared nurse will have the necessary skills to practice independently and interdependently and to build interdisciplinary collegial relationships. The graduate will participate in the creative development of partnerships with communities to deliver services to a variety of populations.

There will be consideration and advocacy for the healthcare needs of populations, especially those at risk and the growing number of those clients who are underserved. The graduate will be able to use creativity and flexibility in order to deal with roles less clearly defined as well as to manage and carry out the changing and challenging advanced nursing roles. This graduate will function in an increasingly complex healthcare system that includes responding to global, technological, and environmental issues. The graduate will be able to analyze, synthesize, and utilize knowledge in a scholarly manner. An understanding of healthcare policy, financing, cultural sensitivity, and ethical decision making will assist graduates in assuming a leadership role in promoting effective systems in nursing and healthcare.